Tractor plow



N. E. KNAPP TRACTOR PLOW Aug. 26, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 24, 1946 a: mm: on N. No nm 02 o m9 00 0Q no 0 AIM-IQ H N3 0: mm m: m: a 3 63: m: 0h. fi m- H H INVENTOR NORMAN E. KNAPP. AIM, 5%

ATTORNEY N. E. KNAPP TRACTOR PLOW Aug. 26, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 24. 1946 Wagg/Q- J mn m-HIMHI INVENTOR NORMAN E. KNAPP. 1 .4 ##Wfll ATTORNEY @0. m 00. moo

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INVENTOR NORMAN E. KNAPP.

ATI'ORN EY N. E. KNAPP Aug. 26, 1952 TRACTOR PLOW 4' Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 24, 1946 ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 26, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFlCE TRACTOR PLOW Norman E. Knapp, San Jose, Calif.

Application September 24, 1946, Serial No. 698,995

Claims. (01. 97-50) "plow which may be adjusted laterally for cultivation of the soil exterior of the path of travel of the tractor.

Another object is to provide a'tractor drawn plow for cutting away the soil in proximity of plants and exterior of the path of travel of the tractor or for throwing the soil toward the plants in close proximity thereof and exterior of the path of travel of the tractor.

Another object is to provide a tractor drawn plow which may be adjusted laterally within a wide range without reducing the cultivating efliciency of the plow.

Another object is to provide a tractor drawn plow which will not side-sway or tail-out of ground engagement irrespective of the lateral disposition of the plow with respect to the center line of travel of the tractor.

Another object is to provide a tractor drawn disc plow wherein side-sway or tailing-out of the plow and reduction of cutting depth 'of-the cutting discs are prevented.

-Another object is to provide a tractor-drawn plow which maintains a predetermined depth of cut irrespective of variations in the hardness of thesoiL- I r 1 I 'Another object is t'oprovide a{ tracto'rdrawn agricultural implement wherein upon raising of the front end of the implement bythe draw bars of the tractor a simultaneous automatic raising of the rear end of the implement is effected;

Another object is to provide a tractor drawn agricultural implement responsive to the raising action of the draw'bars of the tractor for effecting simultaneous raising of the front as wellas the rear end of the implement;

Another object is to provide-a tractor drawn disc plow wherein cutting depth of the cutting discs may beadjusted by the operator as desired during the operation of the plow. 1?

Another object is toprovidea tractor 'drawn plow which is efficient in operation, ofsimple construction and inexpensive to manufacture;

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become appare'nt rrom the following description and drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the plow of the present I 2 invention and a portion of the rear end of a tractor used for propelling the same; the plow being disposed in lowered or plowing position.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the device of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 withthe plow disposed in raised position and traveling out of soil engaging or plowing position.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 but at a reduced scale illustrating the plow in raised position out of the furrow on level ground.

Fig. 5 is'a plan view similar to Fig. 1 but showing the plow in one of its extreme positions of lateral adjustment.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but showing the plow in its other extreme position of lateral adjustment. y

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the A-frame of the plow and a portion of the beam structure of the plow adjustably connected thereto.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the actuating arm associated with the A-frame structure of the plow.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged section of. a portion ofFig. 7 taken along line 99 thereof.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged section of a portion of Fig. 1 taken along line Ill-l0 thereof.

Referring now to-Fig. 1 of the drawings 1 designates the rear part of a tractor provided with rear traction wheels 2 and 3 and comprising rear axle housings 5 and 6 and a differential housing 1.' Pivotably mounted on the axle housings 5 and 6 as-shown at l0 (Fig. 2 are draft bars H- and [2, respectively, adapted to be raised or'low ered by means of mechanically or hydraulically operated actuating rods 14 and 15 (Figs. 1 and 3) pivotally connected to'th'e draft bars I l and I2 by bolts I6 and I1, respectively.

Pivotally connected to the rear end of the draw bars I l and I2 is a hitch or A-frame .2! to whichthe implement or plow 22 is secured. The A-frame 2| (Fig.7) comprises two outer bars 25 and 26 pivotally connected attheir upper ends by means of a' bolt 2'! to a stabilizer bar 28 in turn pivotally secured to ears 32 of the differential housing '1 of the tractor by abolt 33. Each of the outer bars 25'a'nd 26 is stepped was to provide vertically disposed portions 35 and 36 and a substantially horizontally disposed portion3l intermediate the same 'lhe bars '25 and 26 areconnected bya transverse -bar38 the ends of which arewelded .to the portions 31 so that a substantially' A-shaped frame isformed.

'Rotatably mounted within the vertically 'disposed portions 35 of the outer bar-51:25 arid 26 and extending transversely of the A-frame 2| is a rod 4|. The center portion 42 of this rod intermediate the outer bars and 26 is a square configuration in cross section and fixed to the same adjacent the bar 25 is an actuating arm 43. The free round ends 44 and 45 of the rod 4| extend through the bars 25 and 26 and are rotatably mounted within the rear ends of the draw bars I I and I 2, respectively, whereby the A-frame is firmly secured to the draw bars of the tractor. Cotter pins 4! prevent accidental detachment of the rod 4| and therefore of the A-frame 2| from the draw bars I I and I2.

Rotatably mounted Within the lower vertical portions 35 or the bars 25 and 26 and transversely disposed within frame 2| is a supporting bar 5| of square configuration in cross section. One end of this supporting bar is bent forwardly as shovm at 52 for purposes to be described later herein. Cotter pins 53 are preferably employed for holding the supporting bar 5| securely in position within the A-frame.

The actuating arm 43 (Figs. 1 ands) is provided with lugs 55 and 55 which are welded thereto and straddle the draw bar I2 of the tractor. A look bolt 5! extending through the lugs 55 and 56 prevents disengagement between the lugs and the draw bar I2.

The plow 22 comprises a tool supporting frame or beam structure 60 including two beams 6| and 62. The front ends of the beams 6| and 62 are rigidly secured together by bolts 63, 64 and 65 with a spaced plate 66 disposed between the front ends of the beams. Secured to the front end of the beam structure 60 adjacent the beam 6| thereof by the bolts 63 and 64 previously referred to is a bracket or casting I0 (Figs. 7 and 9) to which a clam-p plate II is attached by means of cap screws 72. The opposing faces 10a and Na of the bracket I0 and plate II, respectively, are each provided with a V-shaped groove I3 extending transversely over the entire width of the bracket and plate so as to receive the square supporting bar 5| and to permit rigid attachment of the bracket 10 and beam structure 60 to the supporting bar when the carp screws I2 are tightened and to permit lateral adjustment of the bracket I0 and beam structure 60 relative to the supporting bar 5| when the cap screws I2 are loosened. The opposing faces of the bracket I0 and plate II and grooves I3 are of sufiicient width to rigidly hold the beam structure 60 with out side-sway on the supporting :bar 5|.

' The rear end 6Ia of the beam 6| (Figs. 1, 5 and 6) is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the front end of the beam 6| and carries a cultivatin tool, 1. e., a cutting disc I5, rotatably mounted in a hanger I6 which is adjustably secured to the beam portion 6| a by U-bolts H. In a similar manner the rear end 62a of the beam 62 is angularly disposed with re,- spect to the front end thereof. The beam portion 62a also carries a cultivating tool, 1. e., a cutting disc I8, rotatably mounted in a hanger 19 ad justably attached by U-bolts 00 to the beam portion 62a. Both cutting discs and their hangers are of conventional construction.

The beam portions 6|a and 62a are preferably parallel to each other and the intermediate portions 62b and 62c of beam 62 are so configurated and of such length as to dispose the cutting discs I I5 and I8 in staggered relation, i. e,, laterally off- .set with respect to each other with the cutting Secured to the rear end of the beam 62 by;

bolts (Figs. 1, 5 and 6) is a bearing bracket 88 provided with a vertically disposed bearing portion 8! within which the vertical portion 89 of a crank-shaped axle 90 is rotatably and vertically slidably disposed. Rotata'bly mounted in tilted position on the axle 90 is a furrow or tiller wheel 9| of conventional construction. The vertical axle portion 89 extends a considerable distance above the bearing 81 and rigidly secured to its upper end is a tiller wheel steering arm 95. The rigid connection between arm and axle 90 may be obtained in any desired manner for instance by reducin the upper end of the axle portion 89 (Fig. 10) and providing the same with a square portion 89a and a threaded portion 89b and by forming a square opening in the hub portion 96 of the steering arm 95 which tightly fits over the square axle portion 89a. The steering arm 95 is securely held in position on the square axle portion 89a by means of a nut 97 screwed onto the threaded upper end of the axle.

Rotatably mounted on the vertical axle portion 89 (Figs. 2, 3. and 10) is a :block I00. This block is held against vertical movement on the axle by the hub portion 96 of the steering arm 95 and a washer |0I and a heavy cotter pin I02 secured in the axle portion 89. Pivotally secured to the block I00 (Fig. 2) is a link I05 which in turn is pivotally secured to a crank arm I06 fixed to a stud shaft I0'I rotatably mounted in a horizontal bearing |08 forming an integral part of bracket 86. Fixed to the other end of the stud shaft is a crank arm I09 pivotally connected to a lever I I0 provided at its front end with a boss III to which a tiller wheel guide or steering rod I I2 is pivotally attached by means of a cap screw II4. This rod extends rearwardly beyond the arm 95 and is slidably positioned within an ear I I5 forming an integral part of the steerin arm 95. A steering control collar H6 is adjustably secured to the rod I|2 by a set screw II5a. The front end of the lever H0 is pivotally connected at I|0a to one end of a double link II! the other end of which is pivotally secured to the freeend of bolt 65 adjacent beam 6| by means of a nut H8. Pivotally connected to the double link II! at H9 is an actuating bar I2I in turn pivotally attached to an actuating arm I22 fixed to the square portion 42 of rod 4|, .by means of a set screw I23, for rotation therewith.

In Figs. 1 and 2 the disc plow .22 is shown in plowing position. To lift the plow out of plowing position the operator raises the draw bars II and I2 of the tractor by means of the mechanically or hydraulically operated actuatingrods I4 and I5 whereby the A-frame 2| and front end of the implement 22 are raised from the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to the position shown in change in angularity of the draw :bar I 2 with respect to the A-frame 2| the rod 4| and actuating, arm I22 are slightly turned counterclockwise in view of the connection of the rod 4| with the draw bar..|2 by means of the arm 43. This forward tilting of the A-frame and counterclockwise turning of the actuating arm I 22 exerts a forward pull on the actuating bar I2I whereby the doublelink II! is swung forward, i. e. counterclockwise, from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the position illustratedain Fig. 3. This counter- .5 clockwise movement of the double link .I I'I pulls the lever IIU forward whereby thecra'nkar'm I09, stud shaft I01 and crank arm 16- are swung from the position in Fig. 2 to the position shown in Fig. 3. Since the crank arm I06 is rotatably mounted on the bracket 86 Ibystudshaft I01 and is pivotally connected to the 1ink.-|05, whiclrin turn is pivotally connected to the block I fixed against vertical movement relative tothe .axle portion 89, the pivotal movement of thecrank arm I06 effects raising of the bracket aliandrear end of the implement from the position shownin Fig. 2 to the position illustrated in Fig; 3. This. raising of the rear end of the implement iseffected automatically incident to the raising of the front end thereof by the draw bars II and I2 of the tractor.

When the implement 22 during its travel and while in plowing position is raised in this jman-, nor the plow is caused to travel out of. cultivating engagement with the soil as clearly illustrated in Fig. 3. As soon as the tiller wheel 9|. has left the furrow and is on even ground with the rear tractor wheels 2 and 3 (Fig. 4) the implement or disc plow is disposed in inoperativeor transporting position with the cultivating tools, i. e., the cutting discs I5 and 18, a sufficient distance above the ground to clearany small obstructions in their path.

To return the plow to operative position the operator lowers the draw bars II and I2 of the tractor I whereby the -A-frame 2| and the'front end of the implement 22 are lowered from the position shown in Fig. 4 to the position illustrated in Fig. 2. This lowering of the front end of the implement and A-frame 2| effects backward swinging of the A-frame so that the same is returned to its original vertical position (Fig. 2) and the actuating arm I22, bar I2I, double link II'I, lever III) and crank arms I09 and III-6 are returned to their original position (Fig. 2) whereby the rear end of the implement, i. '-e.', the rear end of the frame 60 is lowered to its original plowing position. Of course, when the plow is lowered in this manner the lowering ac-' tion of the plow will stop when the cutting discs I5 and I8 engage the ground and it is necessary to draw the plow over the ground to eifectcut ting of the discs into the soil under the weight of the beam structure and complete lowering of the plow to its full depth of cut. The depth. of cut of the plow is regulated by the operator'by lowering or raising the drawb'ars of the tractor until the desired depth of cut of the discs I5 and 18. during the travel of the implementis obtained. Consequently the operator can adjust the depth of out of the discs as desired during the travel of the implement without leaving his seat on the tractor. I

The tiller wheel 9| which is disposed in, aftilted position travels in the furrow cut by the disc I8, 1. e., on the land side of the furrow, 'andthe con trol collar H6 is so positioned on the steering rod II2 as to prevent turning of the axle 9011: the direction of arrow I25 (Fig. l). Consequently the wheel 9| prevents side draft or tailing out of the plow under the cutting action of the discs I5 and I8. The side draft pressure ex,- erted by the tiller lwhe'el 9| through axle 90 and steering arm 95 against the control s ue l I6 is transferred by the steering rod I I2 upon the front end of the lever IItI whereby a downward pressure upon the double link Ill and beam 22 at 65 is applied. Consequently any side draft pressure exerted by the tiller wheel 9| applies adownward plowins oner ti n.

pressureuponithe implement beam; 22 at 155 a considerable distance behind the pivot formed by the-supportingvbar 5| so'that the implementis heldyi'n firm, ground engaging, position thereby eliminating any possibility of ;tailing-out" of the plowunder the side thrust applied by the soil against the cutting discs I5 and 18 durin the; plowing operation. This downward pressure uponthe plow, in addition to thezweight of the plow thereforelocks the plow at its adjusted cutting depth (as determined by the position of the draw bars [I and I2) infirm ground engaging position and permits therefore cultivation of very hardsoilywithout; any danger of tailing-out? of -tl e implement or 'reduction of cutting depth ft ediscs fi and On-theother hand the resistance of the linkage I22 :I 2|,;||"|, III],- I09 steering .rod 2 and collar I Iflagainst the steering arm 95.,prevents the .tiller wheel; 9| from swinging toward .-the landso thatthe same-inview of its tilted: position rolls :along the landside of, the furrow and a rb t ys dcr re f the i d ing the.

t;; u. d be n ed, h weve st when he. s ew. i in t a s q ans r i positi the od an c nt ol-ro le a e. ted forward-from the position in Fig. 2 to the position in F -3 an 4 whe e y he a m 95 r a and the wheel QI is permitted to swivel in-one o17 -the ptherdirection, This free swiveling action of the tiller. wheel 9 I is necessary for mak: ing right or left hand turns with .the implement. If desired, an adjustable stop collar IIIia may be provided to limit the swiveling action of the wheel.

A s .previously. stated herein the implement 22 may be adjusted in various lateral positions relative to -theA-flfame 2| and tractor l. The lateral adjustment of the implement relative to the A-frame is effected by loosening the cap screws I2 of the clamp bracket I0 and by shifting the bracket III and :beam structure B0 to the desired position along the supporting bar 5|. Thereupon cap screws 12 are tightened to rigidly secure the implement in the desired position of lateral adjustment to tde supporting bar 5|.

In Figs. 1, 5 and 6 various positions of lateral adjustment of the implement are illustrated. In Fig. 1 the implement isso adjusted as to. dispose the cutting discs I5 and 18 inside the path of travel of the rear wheelsof the tractor and in such case the tractor wheel 2 travels within the last :previouslycut furrow. In Fig. 5 the implement is disposed in its extreme right hand position, looking in the direction of travel of the tractor. In this position the rear tractor Wheels travel both on solid ground and the cutting disc I5 projects outside the path of travel of the right reartractor wheel. While; in this position of lateral adjustment the implement may be; used 7 for cultivating the soil in close proximity to plants or trees, designated I26 in Fig. 5, i.e., for throwing the soil toward thesame, v v

I In its extreme left hand position of lateral adjustment' illustrated in Fig. 6 the cutting disc 18 projectsoutside the path of travel of-the left rear tractor whee1.- In this positionthe imple ment is used to rcut the soil away from shrubs, trees or anyother plants in proximity thereof. The-forwardly bent portion 52 of thesupporting bar 51- previously referred to disposes theimplement at anangle I21 in excess of degrees-to the A-frame {2| to enable the blade I8 to cut exterior ofxthe path of travel of the left rear wheel 3. 'This angular disposition of the implement may be in excess of that shown in- Fig. 6 if desired andis obtained by bending the left hand portion 52 0f the supporting bar 5| accordinglyin the manufacture thereof. v 7

Due tothe width of the *casting or clamp bracket 10, the clamp plate -'H and V-shaped grooves .13 as well as the connection of both sides 25' and 26 of the A-fra'me H to the draw bars ii and ll of the tractor l the implement 22 is rigidly connected to the tractor against any lateral movement relative thereto. This lateral rigid connection between the tractor and implement also prevents sidewise swinging or tailing-out" of the. rear end of the implement caused by the'side pressure against the discs during plowing operation' and in conjunction with the steering control of thetiller wheel 9| and the downward pressure effected upon the plow as hereinbefore described definitely prevents tailing-out of the implement even under most unfavorable soil conditions. While the present invention has been illustrated and described in connection with a tractor drawn disc plow it will be apparent that it is not limited for use in connection therewith since it may be tions and variations as come within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Having thus described my invention and in what manner the same may be used what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent, is as follows:

l.-A tractorplow comprising a tool supporting beam provided with a supporting wheel at the rear end thereof, aplurality of cultivating tools on said beam, a hitch frame for coupling the front end of. the beam to the drawbars of a tractor said hitch frame comprising a rectangular supporting bar rotatably mounted on and ex tending transversely of the hitch frame, and a clamp for adjustably securing the tool frame to said supporting bar, one end of said supporting bar being bent forwardly in the direction of travel of the plow to vary the angular disposition of the beam relative tothe supporting bar and to thereby dispose at least one the path of travel of the tractor. a

2. A tractor plow comprising a tool supporting beam provided with a plurality of cultivating tools and a supporting wheel at the rear end thereof, a casting on th e front end of the beam and provided with a v-shaped' groove extending transversely of the front face' of 'the casting, a clamping plate provided withia complemental V- shaped groove in its rear face, a hitch frame of said tools for cultivation of'soi'l'exterior of i for coupling the beam to the draw bars of a tractor," abeam supporting bar rotatably mounted on said hitch frame and'disposed within the recess formed by saidgrooves-insaid castingand plate, one end of said supportingbar being-bent forwardly in the direction'of travellof th'e'plow, andmeans-forforcing said clampfplate toward said casting'to therebyrigidly' clamp the casting and beam to said supporting bar and for releasing the clamp plate to permit adjustment'of the casting and beam to one or the 'other' end of 'the 8. supporting bar to dispose at least one of said cultivating. tools for cultivation of soil exterior of the path of travel of thetractor at one or the other side thereof.

3. In combination a tractor having draw bars and means for raising or lowering the same, an implement comprising a beam, cultivating tools mounted on said beam, means for connecting the front end of the beam to. the draw bars of the tractor, means for adjustably supporting therear end of the beam including a crank axle having a vertically disposed portion rotatably mounted on said beam and a substantially horizontally disposed portion, a tiller wheel rotatably mounted on the horizontally disposed axle portion, a linkage system associated with said beam, rearend supporting means and front end connecting means and cooperating with said draw bars for simultaneously raising or lowering the rear end of the beam with the front end of the beam upon raising or lowering of the draw bars of the tractor, and a steering arm and rod interconnecting said tiller wheel and linkage system for translating turning of the tiller wheel under side thrust of the cultivating tools into downward pressure upon said linkage system when said beam is in lowered position whereby the beam is locked against upward movement.

4. A hitch mechanism for connecting an implement in trail-behind relation to a tractor comprising a substantially A-shaped frame including side bars connected at their upper ends, a stabilizer bar for pivotally connecting the upper portion of the frame to the tractor, a transverse bar rigidly connecting the side bars, an implement supporting bar rotatably mounted on said frame at the lower ends of said side bars and held against lateral movement relative to said frame, an actuating rod rotatably mounted on said frame in spaced relation to and above said supporting bar and including portions projecting from the side bars exterior of the frame for mounting the rod on the draw bars of the tractor, an actuating arm fixed to said actuating rod and adapted to be connected to one of the draw F bars of the tractor, and a second actuating arm fixed to said actuating rod and adapted to be connected to control mechanism of the implement.

5. A hitch mechanism for connecting an implement in trail-behind relation to a. tractor comprising a substantially A-shaped frame including side bars connected at their upper ends, a stabilizer bar for pivotally connecting the upper portion of the frame to the tractor, a transverse bar rigidly connectingfthe side bars, an implement supporting bar rotatablfmounted on said frame at the lower ends of said side bars and held against lateral movement relative to said frame, an actuating rod rotatably mounted 'on said frame in spaced relation to and above said supporting bar and including portions projecting from the side bars exterior of the frame for mounting the rod on the draw bars of the tractor. an actuating arm fixed to said actuating rod and provided with transversely disposed brackets for connecting said actuating arm for'simultaneous movement with the ,draw bars of the tractor, and a second actuating arm laterally adjustable on Said actuatingrod "and connected to said rod for rotation therewith and adapted to be pivotally connected to control mechanism of the implement.

NORMAN E. KNAPP.

(References on following page) 9 REFERENCES CITED Number The following references are of record in the 23221342 file of this patent: UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 Number Name Date 2,098,472 Strandlund Nov. 9, 1937 Number 2 7,534 Von Schlegell July 1, 1941 0 2,320,141 Kott May 25, 1943 Name Date Bunn June 22, 1943 Todd Mar. 27, 1945 Wippel Oct. 9, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Australia, May 11, 1936 

